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Daring bandits staged two attacks in Baringo and Turkana counties on Sunday evening and made away with an unknown number of livestock despite the ongoing security operation to mop up illegal firearms in the region.

The suspected Pokot raiders struck Chemorongion village in Baringo South and Lomelo in the neighbouring Turkana East.

However, Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) and National Police Reservists (NPRs) deployed in the region managed to repulse the armed bandits after a fierce shoot-out and recovered the animals.

Baringo County Commissioner Abdirasack Jaldesa said more security personnel have been deployed to the area to restore calm and urged residents not to panic.

“The situation is under control. We call on residents who had fled their homes to go back as we have assured them of their safety. The government cannot sit and watch as a few criminal elements terrorise innocent Kenyans,” warned the administrator.

Residents fleeing region

Tension is said to be high in the area with some residents fleeing fearing for their lives even as they called on the government to beef up security in the area.

“People are beginning to flee their homes as they are unsure what will befall them next. Most of them fear that the armed bandits may strike again,” said John Etilal, a resident of the restive Kapedo at the border of Baringo and Turkana counties.

ICT Principal Administrative Secretary Eric Kiraithe who held a meeting with leaders from the region at Kabarnet town yesterday said plans are at an advanced stage for the department to liaise with telecommunication companies to set up network masts in the region.

Kiraithe said many parts of Kerio Valley lack a communication network which has hampered response to emergencies by medical and security personnel.

“We have already mapped out all areas in the North Rift where there is poor communication network and we are in talks with telecommunication companies and the Communication Authority of Kenya to ensure erection of communication masts,” said Kiraithe.

Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap whose constituency is among those worst hit by insecurity said armed bandits were taking advantage of this wreak havoc knowing very well that it will take time before security personnel arrive. Makilap cited areas most affected by lack of communication network as Saimo Soi, Bartabwa and Kabartonjo wards where many people have been shot dead.

Critical infrastructure

He called on the government to open up the Kerio Valley by installing critical infrastructure including security roads.

“NPRs are tempted to misuse their firearms due to poor remuneration. They should be given incentives as they play a crucial role in assisting security personnel beef up security,” said Makilap.

“Cattle rustling is no longer a cultural practice. It has been commercialized by some leaders who use it to ascend to leadership as they have been branded cattle rustling champions,” added the legislator.

The attacks have been happening despite an order, last week by President William Ruto that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) be deployed to the region to help police in restoring order. This follows the killing of more than 100 civilians and 16 police officers in the past six months. Six banditry-prone counties in the region among them Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu.